How to watch Rice
every RICE game in 2026 · channels, services, packages
Season outlook
2026
The 2026 schedule is set; exact channels come 6–12 days before each kickoff. But the TV deals are signed, so you can buy the right service today.
Where the games will live
12 games, mapped by media rights10ESPNvs Houston Christian · vs Western Michigan · vs UTSA
ABC / ESPN / ESPN2 / ESPNU / ESPN+
1NBC/Peacockat Notre Dame
NBC + occasional Peacock exclusive
1CBS-ledverify before seasonat Fresno State
CBS / CBSSN / The CW Network + occasional Paramount+ exclusive · The rebuilt league's CBS-anchored deal starts in 2026; additional partners may still be announced.
What covers the season
guaranteed games (worst case) · possible (best case)Hulu + Live TV
$82.99/mo
12/12All TV games
occasional Peacock/Paramount+ exclusives not included
YouTube TV
$82.99/mo
2–12/12
occasional Peacock/Paramount+ exclusives not included
can't cover: ESPN
Fubo
$84.99/mo
2–12/12
occasional Peacock/Paramount+ exclusives not included
can't cover: ESPN
DIRECTV STREAM
$108.99/mo as needed
2–12/12
needs Choice tier (+$22/mo): ESPNU isn't in the base package
occasional Peacock/Paramount+ exclusives not included
can't cover: ESPN
Sling Orange + Blue
$80.99/mo as needed
1–12/12
needs Sports Extra (+$15/mo): ESPNU isn't in the base package; Local FOX & NBC (select markets): NBC isn't in the base package
occasional Peacock exclusives not included
can't cover: ESPN; CBS-led
ESPN Select (was ESPN+)
$12.99/mo
0–11/12
can't cover: ESPN; NBC/Peacock; CBS-led
Three ways to buy
depending on what kind of fan you areOne service, no thinking
Hulu + Live TV · $82.99/mo
Hulu + Live TV guarantees every TV game; occasional Peacock/Paramount+ exclusives not included.
Budget play
ESPN (Unlimited) · $29.99/mo
ESPN (Unlimited) gets 10–11 of 12 games at the lowest price; catch the rest at a bar.
Am I covered?
mark your services to light this upMark what you pay for on the Am-I-covered page (services, add-ons, antenna) and every game below gets a covered / not-covered verdict, updating as channels are announced.
Wk 1Sep 5vs Houston ChristianABC / ESPN / ESPN2 / ESPNU / ESPN+ (TBA)
Wk 2Sep 12at Notre DameNBC (TBA)
Wk 3Sep 19vs Western MichiganABC / ESPN / ESPN2 / ESPNU / ESPN+ (TBA)
Wk 4Sep 26at Fresno StateCBS / CBSSN / The CW Network free (TBA)
Wk 5Oct 3vs UTSAABC / ESPN / ESPN2 / ESPNU / ESPN+ (TBA)
Wk 6Oct 10at East CarolinaABC / ESPN / ESPN2 / ESPNU / ESPN+ (TBA)
Wk 7Oct 17vs TulsaABC / ESPN / ESPN2 / ESPNU / ESPN+ (TBA)
Wk 8Oct 24at Florida AtlanticABC / ESPN / ESPN2 / ESPNU / ESPN+ (TBA)
Wk 10Nov 7at North TexasABC / ESPN / ESPN2 / ESPNU / ESPN+ (TBA)
Wk 11Nov 14vs TulaneABC / ESPN / ESPN2 / ESPNU / ESPN+ (TBA)
Wk 12Nov 19at TempleABC / ESPN / ESPN2 / ESPNU / ESPN+ (TBA)
Wk 13Nov 28vs ArmyABC / ESPN / ESPN2 / ESPNU / ESPN+ (TBA)
Channel projections come from each conference's announced media-rights deals (verified June 2026); exact assignments are typically announced 6–12 days before kickoff and this page sharpens automatically as they land.
Service lineups, packages, and prices verified as of June 2026; they change, so confirm with the provider before subscribing. Local broadcast availability varies by market.
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